Current through Register Vol. XLII, No. 1, January 3, 2025
Section 102-1-5 - Representation of Parties5.1. Individuals. Any claimant or employer who is a natural person may appear and represent himself or herself in any matter before the Board of Review. At the Board of Review's discretion, a claimant's relative or friend may speak on behalf of the claimant. At a hearing, the Board of Review shall explain to any party appearing without counsel the right to employ counsel and shall inquire as to the desire of such person to obtain counsel. In appropriate cases the hearing may be continued to permit a party to obtain counsel; however, absent a showing of good cause, a hearing shall be continued only one time for a party to obtain counsel.5.2. Employers who are not natural persons and the Offices of the Insurance Commissioner must be represented by an attorney duly licensed or authorized to practice law in the State of West Virginia.5.3. Counsel. Only an attorney duly licensed or authorized to practice law in the State of West Virginia may represent a claimant or employer in a matter before the Board of Review. At the Board of Review's discretion, a claimant's relative or friend may speak on behalf of the claimant.5.4. Lay Representative. A party may not be represented in a matter before the Board of Review by a spokesperson, lay representative or anyone else not admitted to practice law in the State of West Virginia. At the Board of Review's discretion, a claimant's relative or friend may speak on behalf of the claimant.